Beyond Summerland by Jenny Lecoat
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Web ID: 19876314Another five star read by Jenny Lecoat
The Channel Islands are finally liberated and five years after the Germans invaded. Once known as “Summerland” a stunning and beautiful place has been left desolate, damaged, and scarred and it's residents starving. In Jersey things are tense and people are angry, the locals feel like they were left to fend for themselves, and no one understands what they went through. They want revenge, the women who took up with German soldiers have already been punished and humiliated, they’re also looking for anyone who collaborated or profited from dealing the enemy during the war. Jean Parris is looking after her mum Violet, her father Philip was arrested for having a radio in his possession eighteen months ago and he was sent to jail and they haven’t heard from him and despite other mail arriving. Hazel Fleury is a teacher and she lives in a flat with her sick dad above the Ironmongers Shop and she's had a tough time and lost her sister, someone mentions that she was seen arguing with Philip Parris and was she the one who dobbed him into the Germans? Hazel is taken in for questioning, she denies she had anything to do with his arrest, she shares her side of the story with the Civil Affairs Unit and are part of a task-force sent to the Jersey. It doesn’t take long for people to hear about Hazel, she gets snubbed by neighbours and called names. I had never considered what life was like on the Channel Islands and Jersey after the Second World War ended, at first the people celebrated and felt relieved. Then they started questioning events and what happened and wanted justice and anyone who was involved with the Germans or made money or benefited and they wanted them punished. Everyone has secrets or done something they weren’t proud of to survive or cope, and get through the challenging times, it’s a story about family and how well do you know someone, betrayal and greed, retribution and an unlikely alliance is formed. Five stars from me, another well written and thought provoking novel by Ms. Lecoat, I highly recommend Beyond Summerland and her previous book, The Girl from the Channel Islands.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Wonderful
The war is finally over. Jean and her mother have just discovered that her father, who was taken away by the Nazis, has died in prison. They are still wondering who in their town turned him in for his contraband radio. They will not rest until they discover the traitor. There are a lot of moving parts to this tale…lies, betrayals, and more lies. The Nazis have just left the Channel Islands and the whole town is trying to regroup. But, there is so much mistrust because everyone sees everyone else as a collaborator with the Nazis. When Jean discovers one of their neighbors, Hazel, had a fight with her father, the whole family causes so much grief for this poor woman. They are determined that Hazel is the one who turned him in and caused his death. But, they soon discover that he was not as upstanding as they thought. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. Also, I was not a fan of any of the characters. Jean does redeem herself in the end and she was my favorite. But all of these characters lie to each other 😂. You know, real life stuff😏. Need a good, historical fiction novel full of betrayals and redemption…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today. I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
For historical fiction as well as mystery fans
The war has ended and the citizens of Jersey, Channel Islands, are waiting for their loved ones to return. Some return, but the father of Jean Parris wasn't on the ship of returning soldiers. A few days later they found out that he had perished in a prison from being arrested for a minor infraction. Who was responsible for alerting the Germans that her father had a banned radio? We then meet Hazel who didn't like Jean's father and who Jean is blaming for telling on her father. But....when the two women meet, and Hazel finds out Jean has a secret, can they make a deal? They decided Hazel won't tell on Jean if Jean will tell the police that Hazel was not the informant. Can they trust each other? The book was a bit confusing because of going from one character to the other without any “notice,” but other than that BEYOND SUMMERLAND is another excellent, well researched read that makes you think that even though the war was over, was it really? Historical fiction as well as mystery fans will enjoy this book. 4/5 Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Depicts Life Interrupted By War
4-1/2 STAR REVIEW For five years, Jean and her mother have managed to survive the German occupation of their community on the Channel Islands. However, freedom can’t give them back the family patriarch, arrested and thrown into a German prison. Author Jenny Lecoat shares Jean’s story in Beyond Summerland and delves into the mystery of who turned her father into the Germans. In a community once bustling with tourists, the impact of the German occupation is evident not only on the physical structures but also on the faces of the residents who suffered with barely enough food and heat to survive. The drama within the storyline comes after Jean discovers that a teacher might be responsible. As the accusations increase, Jean finds much deeper secrets, as well as having to deal with one of her own. It’s a twisty story full of historical relevance in the post-World War II era. While revenge may have initially been Jean’s motivation, a better understanding of the facts alters her perception. Beyond Summerland depicts life interrupted by war and the struggle to move forward. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Secrets and Lies
Thank you to HTP Hive and HTP books for the gifted copy of the e-book. Capturing the essence of post-World War II historical fiction, the novel delves into the aftermath of Jersey's liberation in the Channel Islands. Jean, the protagonist, unravels unsettling family secrets that challenge her perception of her father. With his arrest and demise in a German prison, Jean suspects a neighbor, Hazel, of reporting him to the authorities. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a web of deception and hidden truths about her family. The book skillfully depicts the profound impact of wartime survival and the complexities of post-war liberation. The character development of Jean and Hazel is remarkably compelling as they navigate suspicion and secrecy to form an unlikely bond. This emotionally charged tale is poised for release on July 2nd and is certain to resonate with aficionados of historical fiction.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com